Ocean Cruises in Europe
The European coasts are stunning regardless of the country, and it’s time to explore them via a cruise! Visit Mediterranean ports from Barcelona to Venice, visit the glittering Greek islands, discover the Norwegian fjords, tour Baltic capitals, and experience diverse coastlines. You're seeing multiple countries without unpacking constantly, tasting regional cuisines, and covering ground that land tours can't match.
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After having been to stunning Antarctica with the G Expedition, I never expected the Arctic to be as beautiful and diverse as it was. BUT I have to admit this trip totally blew me away! Driving though the pack ice spotting a polar bear eating a seal, walking on a massive glacier, admiring the huge mountain ranges, exploring the arctic flora on lush fields covered with alpine flowers, lakes, looking for ancient fossils in a desert area still covered by snow, walking next to calm reindeers eating grass, driving next to gigantic rock formations covered with nesting birds, watching at a polar bear sunbathing and swimming, taking photographs of massive sleeping walruses on the beach or cruising around bizarre icebergs watching at calving glaciers with seals popping next to our zodiac boats. We were lucky to have such perfect weather conditions and the sun seemed to follow the ship every day. The G Expedition team was absolutely brilliant. Everyone was very passionate about their work and tried to give us the best possible experience. The team offered lots of interesting lectures on marine life, polar bears, birds, history etc. as many specialists and scientists on board. The atmosphere on board is very friendly and relaxed and people feel very welcomed. The food and service were absolutely outstanding so watch out, you might gain some weight (or you go to the gym on board). Don't forget to take your swimwear as those guys will let you even jump into the Arctic waters (a must activity in my opinion) and don't worry there is a sauna where you can relax after this! The size of this ship and it's knowledgable team are the perfect combination for people who want to get the real expedition feeling. An absolute unforgettable experience on board the G Expedition and I'm already looking forward to be back on the ship as soon as possible!
Realm of the Polar Bear
10 best Ocean Cruise Europe tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Splendours of Europe & Prague 2027/2028
- Ultimate Mediterranean in Depth
- Portraits of Eastern Europe (2028, Prague to Bucharest)
- Vienna and Croatia with Islands (21 destinations)
- Danube Grandeur & Prague (2028, Prague to Belgrade)
- City Escape: Amsterdam & the Rhine 2026
- Venice and Croatian Islands Cruise (Split to Venice)
- In the Wake of the Vikings: Orkney, Shetland & the Faroe Islands
- 18-Day Tour Portugal & Andalusia & Morocco - Clase A
- Sail & Hike Greece: Mykonos to Athens
Duration 18 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $7,735
21% off- US$6,104
Duration 19 days Destinations Spain, Italy, Malta, Vatican City (Holy See), France, Monaco Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $28,960
18% off- US$23,799
Duration 19 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
18% off- US$9,799
Duration 12 days Destinations Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
18% off- US$2,977
Duration 17 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
18% off- US$8,399
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
18% off- US$4,098+$250 upfront costs
MS San Spirito's seven-night coastal route from Split to Venice unfolds along Europe's shores. The itinerary includes Kornati's 140 islands, UNESCO-listed fortresses, and Murano's glass-making tradition while serving Dalmatian cuisine.
Duration 13 days Destinations Croatia, Slovenia, Italy Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $5,299
6% off- US$4,999
What our customers ask about Ocean Cruises in Europe
What types of Ocean Cruise itineraries are available in Europe?
European Ocean Cruises span several distinct regions. The Mediterranean routes connect coastal cities like Barcelona Nice and Venice while Nordic voyages navigate through Norwegian fjords. Baltic Sea cruises bring travelers to Stockholm Copenhagen and Helsinki. The Scenic Eclipse II serves as a good example offering a 22-day Baltic & Nordic cruise that visits 7 countries including stops in Tallinn and Riga. Recent TourRadar travelers shared that "the variety of destinations and shore excursions made every day an exciting new adventure especially exploring hidden gems like Portofino and Saint-Tropez."
What's the best time of year to take an Ocean Cruise in Europe?
Timing varies significantly by region for European Ocean Cruises. Mediterranean routes work best from May to October with warm sunny conditions. The Baltic and Norwegian fjord sailings run mainly from June through September taking advantage of extended daylight and moderate temperatures. Arctic expeditions such as the West Svalbard route operate in June-July when ice conditions permit safe passage. A TourRadar guest noted on their Hurtigruten cruise "Visiting in September meant perfect weather for exploring ports with fewer crowds than peak summer months."
What size ships are used for Ocean Cruises in Europe?
Ships range from small expedition vessels to luxury mega-yachts in European waters. The Scenic Eclipse II carries 228 guests with nearly equal crew numbers and all-verandah suites. Smaller expedition vessels like MS Spitsbergen and Ocean Albatros host 200-250 passengers perfect for narrow fjords and small ports. The MS Sea Spirit provides 93 staterooms each with clear ocean views. According to a TourRadar traveler "the smaller ship size meant we could access charming ports like Portofino and Calvi that larger vessels can't reach."
What kind of cabins and accommodations are available on European Ocean Cruises?
Accommodations range from standard porthole rooms to premium suites. The Scenic Eclipse II features eight room categories including Deluxe Verandah Suites and Owner's Penthouses. Ocean Albatros offers 93 ocean-view staterooms most with private balconies. MS Sea Spirit includes Premium and Owner's Suites. A TourRadar guest at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Nice noted "the perfect blend of luxury ship amenities with stunning ocean views from our private veranda."
How many ports of call do European Ocean Cruises typically visit?
Most European cruises include 5-10 ports during 7-14 day journeys. Mediterranean routes often connect Venice Split and Dubrovnik while Baltic itineraries link Stockholm Helsinki and Copenhagen. Some trips like Hurtigruten's Atlantic coast voyage reach up to 10 ports including Lisbon Porto and Hamburg giving travelers a thorough regional experience.
What are the typical itinerary highlights on a European Ocean Cruise?
European Ocean Cruises connect diverse experiences from medieval Cartagena to the French Riviera. Popular Mediterranean stops include Barcelona Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez while northern routes explore the British Isles and Norwegian fjords. Scenic's Mediterranean cruises showcase Ibiza's white villages Bordeaux's wine châteaux and Gibraltar's famous Rock. A TourRadar traveler remarked "The variety of ports and excursions was exceptional from cultural sites to stunning coastal scenery."